Conquering the gift-giving game quest for more mature gamers

For older gamers who “believe” and are still expecting to “receive,” the choices of video games released this fall is as long as Santa’s gift list. From shooter games to strategy, dancing to fighting, consider some of the games for varying platforms rated “E10+” for those 10 and older, “T” for teen and “M” for mature, typically 18 and older.Muggles 10 and older can join the adventure of Harry Potter with LEGO Harry Potter, Years 5-7 for all platforms released Nov. 11 and costing $29-$49. Players help Harry battle the forces of evil in all of the story’s familiar venues like Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, 12 Grimmauld Place, the Ministry of Magic and Godric’s Hollow in preparation for the final show down with Voldemort. Riveting storytelling combined with puzzles to solve, magic and a touch of humor make this a winning choice for Potter fan gamers.

Nintendo has released another game in its most successful game series, Zelda. Skyward Sword is the 15th in the series, but the only one developed specifically for Wii requiring MotionPlus. Rated E10+, Skyward is an action adventure game following main character, Link, through puzzles, challenges, explorations and quests in the fantasy land of Hyrule to save Princess Zelda. In addition to providing two decades of epic adventures, The Legend of Zelda game series is also renowned for its music. Skyward is available bundled with notable orchestral music in commemoration of the series 25th anniversary for $29-$49.

Teens can dance, fight or embark on action adventures with several new games targeting this age group.

For the partying teen, consider the full-body experience of Dance Central 2 for the Xbox with Kinect. It supports multiplayers, perfect for teens that run in packs. More than 40 songs for practice, competition and exercise are available with the game along with 14 different characters. This hand-raising, foot shuffling colorful dance game provides the ability to download other content from the original Dance Central game and dance simultaneously with others from around the world. The cost is $49.

Dancing appeals to teen girls while the male teen likes the fight in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 developed for Playstation 3 and Xbox ($40). Twelve new characters with varying fighting abilities allow players to pick teams and battle it out. Fast-action and strategy combine for long-time play and fun.

Who doesn’t want to be Batman? In Batman: Arkham City, the sequel to the 2009 Arkham Asylum, your teen can be the caped crusader playing behind the walls of a prison that houses many of Gotham City’s more iconic villains. This is another action-strategy game ($59) for Xbox and Playstation 3.

Because the majority of gamers are 18 and older, you won’t be disappointed when looking for the big “M” in the new-release section of games this holiday season, especially if you want a shooter game. All the known shooter series have given it their best shot to get your purchasing dollars with releases such as Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Gears of War 3 and Modern Warfare 3: Call of Duty for the Xbox and ranging in price from $49-$59.

But there are other “M” games for non-shooter types like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, a role-play game allowing players to create their own characters, customizing look and abilities and then adventuring to towns, cities and dungeons to combat and conquer. Skyrim is an Xbox and Playstation 3 game costing between $49 and $59.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations is the final in a four-game series offering adult game-play in a free roaming adventure that sets the stage for a new saga. It’s immersive, epic play following a complex storyline. It’s available for Xbox and Playstation 3 and costs around $59. This game is also being released for the PC on Dec. 31.

There’s no shortage of new video games this holiday season. Determine the platform or console, age, interest or type of game (i.e., dance, adventure, shooter, fighting, strategy, role-play, etc.) for your specific gamer and your budget, and embark on your own gift-giving journey. Perhaps one of those listed above will complete your mission.